[ZTALDY]

Hello.

I come in from the Russian board from time to time. I wanted to add my 2 cents. I assist families during the "dossier stage" of the adoption process. It is true that there are many families that have been delayed due to the Embassy. This is very hard on all of those who have it this road block I am sure. One thing that I tell my parents in the beginning is that there are things that happen in the adoption process that neither them or the agency have any control over. When giving out estimation of timelines for the adoption process I make sure that the parents know that what I tell them is simply that, an estimation. Its very difficult to compare one adoption to another..even if they are with the same facilitator and attorney. I would be afraid if you turned down this referral you still would be stuck in the same delays with a new referral. We got delayed during our Russian adoption due to a database error, we waited 6 months during that delay. It was REALLY tough and there were times I thought I could not make it one more day. Yes, we too wanted him home under a year. He was 18 months when we came home. But during that delay we decided to adopt 2 at the same time and our youngest was born during our 6 month delay. Then again we got cought up in the summer slow down in Russia and had another 8 week delay. So I know its tough. If you choose to stick it out like so mnay of us have, you will look back and be so greatful that you did. BUT you have to do what is right for you and your family and more importatnly for the child. Please take some time to make this decision. If you are not 110% sure that you want this child as part of your family then it is not fair to that child. I am not saying this to be mean or hurtful. Please do not take it that way. You may think I dont have a clue about Guat. adoptions but I work with my families 7 days a week. I know how these delays are hurting them and making the process more difficult. Ok..I am getting off my soapbox